Now Nuclear?

Greenhouse gas emissions from nuclear energy are comparable with wind energy and more than three times lower than solar energy.  Yet despite being one of the lowest carbon emitting energy sources, nuclear has a problem.

Nuclear energy is perceived as the highest risk energy source and remains the most expensive to install. Despite potential drawbacks, the UK launched Great British Nuclear in April which will oversee a £120m Future Nuclear Enabling Fund.  This nuclear strategy aims to generate up to 240GW by 2050.  That’s 25 per cent of the projected energy demand.

The UK’s proposed transition to nuclear power is not straight forward, demonstrated by the delayed final decision to invest £20bn into a large-scale nuclear plant on the east coast of England.  As the debate on nuclear resurfaces at the wake of geopolitical tensions, several documentaries on Chernobyl and Fukushima have re-surfaced keeping the risks of nuclear energy front of mind.

Despite the potential risk, the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, suggests nuclear power plants ‘are among the safest and most secure facilities in the world’. 

A statement from the UN is unlikely to change public perception of nuclear in isolation.  Particularly, considering the scientific evidence.  A paper published in Energy Research & Social Science predicted a 50 per cent chance that a Fukushima event (or more costly) occurs every 60–150 years.

Reputational damage influences our perceptions of risk and benefit and influences National strategies.

Difference in attitudes towards nuclear energy have led to huge differences in its adoption.  Consider Germany and France.  Germany aims to phase out its existing nuclear power plants by the end of this year and pushes back on the UN’s taxonomy for nuclear to be considered ‘green energy’.  Whilst France has invested heavily in nuclear energy, receiving approximately 70% of its power through its 56 reactors.

So, is now the time for nuclear when arguably a much quicker route to energy independence is harnessing wind for hydrogen?  Let’s see if nuclear rebuilds its reputation and wins over resistance.